/ Comments Off on FF Bill will deter people from making fraudulent insurance claims – Calleary

Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader Dara Calleary says a new Bill being brought forward by the party should lead to reduced insurance costs as it will clamp down on fraudulent insurance claims. These fake claims have been a contributory factor in the rocketing insurance costs, which people in Mayo and across the country are being hit with.

Deputy Calleary commented, “While the majority of insurance claimants are genuine, there is an underlying issue with fraudulent claims, which are driving up the cost of insurance for motorists, businesses, community groups and individuals. This has become a real problem in recent years with businesses seeing their motor insurance premiums rise by double digit percentages, making it completely unsustainable.

“This Bill is designed to make would-be false claimants think twice about making a claim. If passed, the bill would direct a court to must refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions where a case is deemed to be a fraudulent action. This will be achieved by amending Section 26 of the 2004 Civil Liability and Courts Act.

“In its report earlier this year, the Cost of Insurance Working Group highlighted the fact that Section 26 is not working effectively, however the government has not committed to any specific action to address this. It also acknowledged serious issues with the lack of investigation and prosecution for fraud when it occurs, particularly cases relating to personal injury claims.

“Reducing insurance costs has been a key priority for Fianna Fáil. Almost two years ago, in June 2016, we put forward a Dáil motion calling on the government to reform the insurance market. The main focus was on increasing transparency and reducing costs.

“This Bill is the latest measure being brought forward by my party in an attempt to reduce exorbitant insurance costs and I hope that my colleagues in other parties and none appreciate its importance and support it”.